IWI Tavor x95 Review: X95 vs SAR

In this IWI Tavor X95 Bullpup review, we’ll be covering the X95, its specification, how it compares to other Bullpup rifles and give an in-depth look at how it compares to its previous version in a Tavor X95 vs SAR analysis.

IWI Tavor X95

~$1,700

Final Grade: A

IWI Tavor X95 Background

Israeli Weapon Industries produced the x95 rifle as a newer version of their SAR rifle. Both rifles take advantage of a bullpup design and have serious Israeli military proven reliability. Created for Israeli troops and combat operations, the Tavor series was designed to take a beating, while also be dependable.

Bullpups are rifles that have their actions (the moving parts/bolts/chamber/etc.) behind the firing hand and close to the shooter’s shoulder. Typically, rifles have their actions just in front of the firing hand. The bullpup design allows for standard/longer barrel length while keeping a fairly short overall rifle. This has added benefits in that you have rifle precision to certain ranges, but also can use them in close combat quarters.

IWI’s first bullpup, the SAR is a great rifle. However, the X95 improves upon the design in some key ways. They’ve even continued their bullpup design to their newest Tavor TS12 Shotgun.

IWI X95 NEW Features And Changes

1. FORWARD HANDGUARD/RAIL SYSTEMThe X95 has a unique system of rail-covers that act as handguards on the forend of the rifle.

2. AMBIDEXTROUS MAG RELEASEThe X95 has a mag release button that can be operated with the firing hand, similar to an AR-style magazine release.

3. MID-MOUNTED CHARGING HANDLEThe charging handle on the X95 is closer to the middle of the rifle as opposed to the far forward mounted charging handle on the SAR

4. IMPROVED TRIGGERThe X95’s trigger is better than the SAR. However, as we’ll cover below, we still recommend an upgrade.

IWI X95 Review – Our Take

Before trying this rifle out, I’ll admit, I had never fired a bullpup before. I’ve always appreciated their ability to provide a short overall length rifle without having to deal with NFA laws/the ATF with a short barreled rifle (SBR).

Also, I’ve always appreciate the “out of the box” design (I can only see so many AR-15s), but I always believed that they had a sort of science-fiction look to them and they didn’t look enjoyable to shoot.

Honestly, I was a little embarrassed to show up to the range looking like I was a Starship Troopers cast-member.

However, my first experience with the IWI X95 was a very pleasant surprise!

The biggest things I loved about the X95 Tavor were the controllability and the recoil mitigation.

Being used to AR-15 style rifles and their front-end heavy design, I thought i might have a hard time adapting to the rear-heavy design of the X95. I thought that moving from position to position would be awkward, however, after running a couple of courses of fire, I realized the the compact design made it easier to control and the rifle is actually really well-balanced.

With the X95, the magazine release was like an AR-15. This was nice – having to deal with the alternate magazine release locations of most bullpup rifles would’ve have been one more thing to worry about/learn.

I also like the multiple QD points for sling attachments and the available rail real-estate (if needed). I could easily slide the handguards forward to access the rails and add accessories, such as flashlights.

Although the trigger is better than the SAR, I really recommend upgrading it by installing a Gieselle’sSuper Sabra Trigger and Tavor Trigger Bow for the X95. It’s not cheap, but I used one on my buddy’s X95 and it is AMAZING.

Accuracy was good for a battle-rifle. I could easily keep a pie-plate sized group at 300 yards but not much better than that.

My biggest gripe about the design is the cutlass-style trigger/hand guard. Instead of actually guarding the trigger, it allows the rest of my firing hand to get up around the trigger. I think this could be a safety issue and it’s also not comfortable when a shooter is used to using their middle finger to support the weight of a rifle.

There is an aftermarket grip available that converts it to a standard pistol grip and trigger guard – this is a recommended upgrade.

The modularity of this rifle is AWESOME! It is easily convertible to a left or right-hand configuration. A small note: the left-side ejection port cover (used when in right-hand configuration) doesn’t seal very well. When shooting with a suppressor, the back pressure allows gasses to escape right onto your face.

I’ve upgraded the gasket under this cover to one designed to seal better – so far, so good.

IWI X95 Rifle Pros and Cons



Nice improvement over the SAR design



Very reliable (near bombproof)



Accurate (for a “battle” rifle)



My new SHTF rifle – full power, compact design



Must relearn rifle operation if coming from an AR-style rifle



Cutlass tyle grip guard is…just…weird



Ejection port cover leaks gas in your face when shooting suppressed



Premium rifle cost is not as accurate is similarly priced AR-15s

Report Card

Reliability

Seriously, this thing is a tank.

A+

Accuracy

Good enough accuracy, but nothing spectacular.

B+

Customization

Although there are some upgradeable parts, customization is fairly limited.

C-

Value

This is a true battle-rifle. It’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

A

Final Grade: A-

Tavor Rifle Bullpup Problems

We’re not sure why, but a lot of folks ask about/search for problems with this rifle. As far as our experience goes, this is an incredibly reliable platform and it would be a good choice for anyone looking for a semi-auto rifle in 5.56mm, especially if size is a concern.There have been no recalls nor official issues with this rifle.

IWI Tavor Reliability

Again, this thing is a TANK! Compared to similar rifles in its class, this thing is super reliable.

Tavor SAR vs X95

When compared to the Tavor SAR, we think that the X95 handily comes out on top.

The X95 is a bit more slim lined – shorter butt pad, and the bolt release is still int he same location but more flush and ergonomic to doing your reloads

Mag release button for the X95 is located by the trigger like an AR 15 while the SAR is located behind the trigger by the magazine.

The 95x charging handle is further back to the shooter while the SAR is further forward

The X95 has 3 rail slides which allows for more accessories to hookup to the rifle

The X95 has 3 swivel point attachments on one side and 2 on the other while the SAR only gives you three total

TAVOR SAR

X95

EXTRA RESOURCES FOR Tavor X95

While the Tavor can be an excellent Bullpup, and give you an incredibly reliable assault rifle, there are still some things every Tavor X95 owner should know. There is the proper cleaning and storing of the X95 rifle, as well as some key upgrades and accessories you should think about giving your Tavor X95, if you want to take it to the next level.

Below are a couple of extra IWI Tavor X95 resources to not only help you get the most out of the Tavor X95 review, but also take your Tavor assault rifle to the next level:

Tavor X95 Maintenance and Cleaning Process

Cleaning and maintaining your Tavor X95 is very important. Check out the below video so you can see how to take it apart properly, but also how to clean and maintain the rifle as well.

Accessories and Upgrades for the Tavor X95 Rifle

In the Tavor X95 review, we gave the X95 a versatility and customization grade of C -. This is because the Tavor isn’t very customizable as other guns or rifles. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t improve it, or even add on to it. See the video below to check out what you can do to take your Tavor to the next level.

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About The Author

Roy Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATT and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use. He now is a full-time writer and editor for Gun University and RocketFFL.

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